> At a Glance
> – A class-action suit filed Dec. 23 says the McRib contains no pork rib meat
> – Plaintiffs say it’s made from lower-grade pork shoulder, heart, and stomach
> – McDonald’s calls the lawsuit inaccurate and defends its 100% pork label
> – Why it matters: The suit could affect millions of buyers who paid up to $7.89 per sandwich
McDonald’s faces a federal lawsuit accusing it of deceiving customers about what’s inside the cult-favorite McRib. The fast-food giant insists its pork is real and transparently listed.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
Four consumers filed the complaint in the Northern District of Illinois, claiming the McRib’s name and rib-shaped patty mislead buyers into expecting premium pork rib meat.
Instead, labelling reveals only “seasoned boneless pork,” which the suit says is processed from:
- Pork shoulder
- Pork heart
- Scalded stomach
Plaintiffs argue these cuts are cheaper and less desirable than actual rib meat, yet the sandwich is priced as “among the most expensive individual items,” reaching $7.89 in some stores.
The suit seeks class certification for anyone who bought a McRib in the past four years and requests damages, restitution, and an order halting allegedly deceptive marketing.
McDonald’s Response and Legal Stakes
McDonald’s issued a statement to News Of Fort Worth:
> “This lawsuit distorts the facts and many of the claims are inaccurate. Food quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do – that’s why we’re committed to using real, quality ingredients across our entire menu. Our fan-favorite McRib sandwich is made with 100% pork sourced from farmers and suppliers across the U.S. We’ve always been transparent about our ingredients so guests can make the right choice for them.”
The complaint lists 16 counts, including fraud, breach of contract, and violations of consumer-protection laws in California, Illinois, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Limited-Time Frenzy
First launched in 1981, the McRib returns sporadically, fueling what the suit calls “consumer confusion.” Plaintiffs claim the rotating availability:
- Creates urgency that discourages scrutiny
- Deters sustained discussion of ingredients
- Perpetuates the belief the patty contains rib meat
The sandwich reappeared in mid-November across cities like Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles, with no set end date.
Key Takeaways
- Plaintiffs say the McRib contains no actual rib meat despite its name and shape
- McDonald’s labels the patty as 100% pork and denies misleading anyone
- The suit covers buyers in the past four years and aims for nationwide class status
- A $7.89 price tag underscores plaintiffs’ claim that the product is marketed as premium
As the court weighs class certification, McDonald’s keeps serving the McRib-while the debate over what’s inside continues.
